My Summer Travels With Psoriasis

I’m writing this entry from a dorm room in a local Christian college here in south England. It’s a short trip, only about a week, but I’ve definitely faced my share of challenges so far in managing my psoriasis.

Before I left I didn’t know what kind of accommodations to expect. After two flights from Los Angeles to London I wanted desperately to take a shower, replenish moisturizers, and apply topical medications. I hadn’t slept well on the plane, which made everything feel worse. Instead, I took a one-hour subway ride to central London and spent the day with my friends there eating and touring around the city. By the time I could take a shower, I learned that my friend’s boiler wasn’t working so I had to haul all of my clothes, medications, and toiletries to a house of somebody I never met nearby. I felt slightly embarrassed to say that I needed an extra room to put on medication, but they were very understanding.

The next day I took a bus to the coast where I found that I would not stay in hotel room but a college dorm room with only a sink. Now I needed to carry all my stuff down the hall then come back to my room to take care of my skin. I also didn’t bring enough clothes, thinking I could pack light and wash clothes. Since my clothes get soiled from everything I put on my skin, I’m learning to adapt and be creative with the clothes I do have.

In spite of all these difficulties, far less than ideal, I’ve found ways to travel and take care of my skin. I have complex routines that I’ve needed to simplify (e.g., only take one shower a day), but so far my skin has responded well to the stress of traveling, speaking, drastic climate change, long days, and lack of sleep. I’m glad as things have gone well here and it looks like I’ll be invited back to speak again in six months or so! I will have more confidence of what to expect then and feel less anxious about traveling by myself.

Before I left I did see my doctor and ask her if she felt I could go on this trip. She blessed it and even helped me increase dosage on one of medications to counter any possible flares. She took the attitude that life doesn’t stop because of psoriasis with this opportunity to travel and speak too good to pass up. While I’d much rather stay home (I even secretly hoped she would tell me it wouldn’t be the best time to go for my skin), I’m glad I took the time to pack all my moisturizers and medications to get away.

Have you traveled this summer? How did psoriasis affect your decision or impact your travels?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Howard Chang

Howard Chang has lived with severe psoriasis for more than 35 years since childhood. He is a volunteer for the National Psoriasis Foundation. Howard works as a Christian spiritual advisor and is a married...read more